Pennsylvania to Yuma using 81 & 40?

Where in NY?

RVcrazy wrote:
We are planning a future trip... How early in the fall do you need to leave PA to avoid snow, ice & freezing temps? We figured to leave the NY area in mid Oct & be in Yuma around Nov 1. Too late? We would connect with 40 at Knoxville. Thanks!

Used to drive I-81 many years ago, actually when it was being built, and well afterward too. One of the nice things about it is, it allows for flexibility depending on the weather.

Assuming you get out of the northeast with decent weather, you have the option of I-40 as you noted or, if the weather is not favourable west of there, you can continue on south from I-81 on I-75 to Chattanooga and pick up I-59 into Alabama. From there, you have a choice of I-20/I-59 to Meridian MS for I-20, or continuing on further south on I-59 to I-10.

I used the I-81/I-75/I-59 combo many times, in a variety of weather conditions, when travelling from NJ to various locations in AL. On that specific portion, even if you encounter inclement weather, it is usually short lived, and in October, I think your changes of adverse weather on THAT portion would be minimal. Having options beyond that to head west is definitely advantageous.

You'll just have to keep a check on the weather ever year is different. Last weekend it was 25 snowing here this week it sunny and in the 40s.

Friends that live in Toronto and snowbird in Yuma...Sometimes they can cut across US about the middle and sometimes they have to travel way south before cutting over. Each year depends on weather. Makes big difference in amount of fuel, parks being open etc. Last couple of years they left big RV in Yuma and travel in a van, camping along the way.

I have hit really bad weather years ago on I-81 in December in Va and TN, Usually though its good until 1 dec, Pa can get snow or ice along 81 in October, but its usually not real bad until Thanksgiving or so.
And in both cases waiting till midday to travel when the sun is well up helps when in doubt. Sorry for being vague but a forecast a year out is going to be generalities.